Isn't this same post going on in the organ room? ?/?Yes, I did post in the organ room. I thought the topic was good for all keyboard players.
I agree totally. That's why I devote much of my site to learning the hymns and spirituals. I've have found that you learn your chords better following a known standard melody than alot of these newer songs.That's a good thing that you are doing. I'm definitely going to check out your site.
www.samsmuzikco.com
I definitely understand where you are coming from. I have been exposed to the hymns and traditional gospel however as far as playing, I have a "new school" mentality. On top of that, I was never schooled by any "ole school" kats. Therefore I think it's safe to say that these young guys are getting away from the hymns and traditionals because they were not schooled about them. "They don't know what they don't know." So who do we blame the young guys for getting away from the "ole school" or the older musicians for not taking the young guys under their wings. I am guilty of getting away, but I'm forcing myself to go back because I want to be able to reach every age group of my church congregation. Also I just want to be an all around musician who can do it all.
I truly understand what you're saying. The church I attend now very rarely sing hymns; but I've been to too many concerts and services, where a singer gets up and sings a hymn, he or she could be young or old; and the musician is clueless and then embarassed. Then another musician has to slide him, or her off. I've had to do that many times. A perfect example is, my group had to sing at anniversary of James Hall and Citadel. A group got up and sang, "Jesus, There is Something About That Name". A young man was on the organ fumbling with the song, even after they group told him the key. James Hall moved him over so fast it was so embarassing. I felt so bad for that young man. Now mind you, before all that happened he was on the organ playing these hot chords and changes.
I'm just saying we as musicians should never be caught out there like that.
I know what you're saying. It's kind of a rock in a hard place. At least twice a month I host a Musicans Shed at my church. I let the jam for a few hours, then I get on the organ and just start playing hymns. I notice that the musicians are really drawn the that form of religious music and are very interested in it. So yes you need to pass it on. Yes, like you, I try to be an all-around musician. I totally agree, we can't be stuck in a box, we are musicians.
For a musician to be able to play complex chords, but not be able to play simple chords makes NO sense at all. :-\
Big CO-SIGN!!!
On a side note, I don't think a musician should feel bad if they can't play a particular song. What they should feel embarrased about is trying to play when they know they can't. If you know deep down u can't play a song, don't even get up there messing up.
I don't feel embarrased at all if I can't play a song being sung. I'll happily slide off and let someone else take over. But, I ain't gonna fumble through just because people yelling at me to play. Sing acapella doggit!!! :D
Some musicians aren't that mature, yet; unfortunately. :-\
For real. Cats act like playing the instrument is their BIRTHRIGHT or something. ::)
I don't know about yall but playing something I've never heard is a weak spot for me and it's something I'm trying to get better at. The only way that I see I can get better at this skill is if I'm thrown in the fire and actually try it on the spot. It doesn't help any musician if someone is in such a hurry to embarass another by shoving them off the keys. That would be a great time to teach whether it's a hymn or something else. "Each one teach one." Everyone will benefit like that.
What is a shed? I've never heard it before and maybe it's something we need to start down here in VA.
No I'm talking in an actual service situation. If someone starts singing something that the musician doesn't know and is trying to figure out, instead of some other musician coming to boot them off, why not come to help and show them. In what other way will they learn and keep their dignity?
what do you mean by "woodshed?"
If that is the case how is a young musician supposed to grow? Experience is the best teacher.
It's not ABOUT the musician. It's about the LORD.
:P
A woodshed is when musicians come together and have jam sessions but in the middle of those jam sessions there is instruction and learning. Check out YouTube and look under Newark Gospel Sheds, there are clips of the sheds that go on at my church. A couple of them are showing my brother-in-law giving a bass clinic.
Getting back to the subject, we all have to keep our minds fresh with the old and new, because in these days the worship service or a concert, could involve, worship, praise, traditional, urban, hymns, etc. We just have to try our best to be prepared. But you know, what? Some of these soloists should stop singing songs that they know are not really familiar, especially when they are a guest and their musician is not with them! What do you think about that?? ?/? :-\ ::)
Some of these soloists should stop singing songs that they know are not really familiar, especially when they are a guest and their musician is not with them! What do you think about that?? ?/? :-\ ::)
"I'm gonna try and sing this song tonight. Pick me up musicians...."
then she sings some obscure song buried in the back of the Hymn Book and gets an attitude when you don't play it perfectly.
I have a problem with that. Service is NOT the time for trying to figure out songs that are supposed to minister to God's people, IMHO. That's what rehearsals are for.
If musicians would spend more time in the 'woodshed' (meaning practicing) during rehearsals, then there'd be no need to boot someone off of an instrument.
I, for one, am NOT ministered to when folks are fumblin' with some song. The last thing I need to hear or see is someone trying to sing, 'Great is Thy faithfulness' and the musician or the singer is messin' it up; cause as a person who loves music, my whole mindset is going to be, "Why didn't they practice?" :-\
Ya'll talkin some truth up-in-here. The old saying is "Humble is the Way".
Our shed is held at Revival Temple Center of Deliverance, 81-85 16th Ave., Newark, NJ, tomorrow at 9pm-until. You're more than welcome.
we need to get a shed goin in long island or nyc
i think churches should prepare the up n coming musicians and make sure the know all the hymns and old songs or at least put togather a CD of all the songs of the church
Also check out Bishop Leonard Scott
Check out the late GE Patterson's CD. ;)
In response to you Adaria, it's the sign of the times. Because of where Gospel music is going, young adult choirs and even some senior choirs are leaning towards what they buy or hear on the radio. Yes, we have to stay current, but we cannot loose focus of where we came from.
Every first Sunday, our P & W Team does ole skool testamonial songs and hymns. We've been doing that for at least 5 years. This helps our young people to learn and know where the new skool came from.
I hated then, but my mother made take lessons, so I've been reading music my whole life. I have an advantage over my peers who play by ear and have nice progressions. I can read a hymn and enhance it with my ear. That way I don't stray to far away from how it is written.
I suggest to all musicians learn how to read music and by a hymn book, thumb through it and find some familiars you have heard and try to play them. You will take yourself to another level in your ministry. You can use LGM or other websites to help you learn to read, or do what I use to do, go to the music store and by books on chords, progressions and scales. YOU CAN DO IT!
I don't know... I guess it takes all of the above to be a well-rounded musician. What do you think sjon, shed some knowledge on the situation. :)
As for the knowledge of hymns, our history will always be important. It is also important to note that we aren't in those times anymore and should progress to where we are and beyond. The Bible does record 'forgetting those things which are behind me, I presss 'towards' the mark of the high calling', does it not; wouldn't this qualify?
I respect your views sjon, but hymns are still so so much a apart of the worship experience. Hymns are apart of the "higher calling". Hymns will always be apart of the "mark".
I don't know... I guess I've just been in too many services and concerts, and seen people set free, delivered and ministered to through the singing of a hymn, especially when it's played and sung with the anointing. I"m talkin now, 2007, hymns are very much alive in our area. :)
My mother was an English teacher
ya moms was an english teacher, and ya pops was jamaican?
OH THE COMEDY.
Pops: "'Mi a' go dung a' di' store....yuh waan' sum'min?"
Moms:"Lord! Will you PLEASE speak english!
Pops: " 'Ooman, 'ow yuh mean? Is english mi' a' chat! De King's bruk-up english! Chuh!"
;D
And Wolfman, you are hillarious... LOL ;D :D THANKS I NEEDED THAT
Sjon, it's all gud, we can agree to disagree. You're my brother and I luv ya.
Hey you got any clips of you playing. I would love to check you out.
:) ;D
c. I'm shy. No jokes from NONE OF YA!!! >:( :D
Learning hymns is the foundation of Gospel music. You have to learn those hymns. I am 25 years old, and when I first started learning, I wanted to immediately jum in and learn John P. Kee songs who is my favorite artist, but I suddently realized through piano lessons the importance of those hymns.
Hymns have a lot more meaning than a lot of the songs that are sung in today's time. THose hymns are tru songs of inspriation, they are songs taht help you to get through a struggle. A lot of todays' songs are being sung and played simply because of the beat. I often tell people that of you took some of today's songs to the club, and played it people would keep dancing never knowing they were Gospel songs.
I think that a lot of us need to get out of the mode of what's hot and trying to play the songs that people want to hear, and start playing those hymns that people need. Gospel is the root of all music. HYMNS are essential to truly learning Gospel music. If you ever come down to North Carolina, you better know your hymns, because they sing down here. GOD bless You!!!!!!!.
Keys, you need help!!! :D
I'm trying to get it...It cost alot of money lol
Today's gospel works for me cause I can relate to issues people speak about in some songs...I like some traditional songs.
I think this whole conversation, minus the musicianship, is about preference and experience.
Now, if we're just talkin' about Gospel music, then, as I stated earlier, learning the hymns IS essential. ;) :D
sjon, I definitely agree, and stop being shy :D
I think this whole conversation, minus the musicianship, is about preference and experience.
Now, if we're just talkin' about Gospel music, then, as I stated earlier, learning the hymns IS essential. ;) :D
sjon, I definitely agree, and stop being shy :D
I'm workin' on it. :D
Sjon, be encouraged and keep practicing. I directed choirs first before I started playing for them or church.
I went through blood sweat and tears, but I really wanted it. Now a days Gods is really pouring out on His people, so it's just a matter of time before you're going to mastering the keys.
This is all great for all of us to share our thoughts. But maybe people get a little intimidated when we talk about hymns because they think about playing the entire hymn book. Are there certain songs that are more important than others? There are definitely songs that are sang more than others! What do you think? :-\
I doubt that everyone knows the entire Hymn book of any demonination. I'd say that learning the most sung hymns would be a great place to start.
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Draw me Nearer
At the Cross
Hymns such as those. ;)
You're right on point Sjon. It's like when you learn the top 10 on the charts for Praise and Worship and for Choir material; there is a top "10" I guess for hymns, which there is much more that just 10. ;)
::)Alright already with the hymn talk. PREESH!!!! :-\ ;D :D ;D
HAHAHAHAHAHA...Is it causing you to break out?
GET READY, GET READY, GET READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE GOT TO MOVE ON, BUT JUST TAKE 30 SECONDS AND....UUUUUUPPP!!
Awigh't guys.... I get the hint. ::) LOL!!
GET READY, GET READY, GET READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE GOT TO MOVE ON, BUT JUST TAKE 30 SECONDS AND....UUUUUUPPP!!
WELL JAMES HALL WOULD SAY "LEAP FOR IT"!! HEYYYY...... REEEEBEBEBOSHUNDO
WELL JAMES HALL WOULD SAY "LEAP FOR IT"!! HEYYYY...... REEEEBEBEBOSHUNDO[size=20pt][/size]
Let tell ya'll somethin... You gotta be in a live service with either James Hall and Citadel or Worship and Praise. When Kevin Bond hits those tongues..... It's ovaaa!!! HEYYYY GLOWRAYYY!!!
Ok... now that we got our praise on... should we close this topic out? I'm a newcomer, "where do we go from here"?? :o ?/? ::)If no one answers it just go down the list. But if you want to continue, just keep posting. If you want another subject, of course, just start a new topic :)
Ok... now that we got our praise on... should we close this topic out? I'm a newcomer, "where do we go from here"?? :o ?/? ::)
Thanks ddw4e for the knowledge :) I really enjoy conversing with you guys. Be blessed and stay blessed.Likewise!! And please come back LOL! :)
alright wolfman I got the ribs.....See..You are definitely cool with me! You have a blessed weekend and next week we negotiate on that MKS20 alright?! (I saw that in a vision...probably was a dream instead :D)
ddw4e I ain't goin nowhere.
I'll be talkin to guys in the other topics.
It's the weekend now and I got a couple of calls to play for some services, and I'm busy all day Sunday, HEY!!! Praise Gawd for the increase... GLOWRAY!!! I was a little broke this week.... LOL :D ;D
I'll talk to ya'll next week.
Be blessed
See..You are definitely cool with me! You have a blessed weekend and next week we negotiate on that MKS20 alright?! (I saw that in a vision...probably was a dream instead :D)
Yup... you were dreamin... you were "I Dream of Jeanie" dreamin... LOL LOL :D :D
You have a blessed weekend also.
Yup... you were dreamin... you were "I Dream of Jeanie" dreamin... LOL LOL :D :DLOL!!!! You do the same!
You have a blessed weekend also.
Gata jump in on this one too. Hymns are just as important as any other church music.
It's interesting that folk will sing the lyrics real well to any given popluar contemporary gospel. ex. I call you faithful, Bless me indeed, Hezekiah's faithful to name a few. Yet when a hymn is called out most people start mumblin' or jus plain ole shut up.
Another aspect I'd like to call attention to is people believe that all hymns are sanctified...well they sanctified now. There are a few hymns that were actually love songs sung in bars and saloons that found their way into the hymnal. When they were brought into the church during the middle ages church folk frowned on them. But God "cleaned them up" and we now sing them!
Yes I do believe that Hymns are important because as they say young people grow the church but older people pay the bills. Hey also where i am from if you cant play hymnals they dont want you unless you are extremely good. But yes they are important I encourage all youthful musicians as myself to learn to play hymns. I pay 36 dollars an hour to learn to read hymns to add to what know.Boy... you just made my day!!! It is such a blessing to hear that a young person understands the importance of hymns. Because of your desire to learn, God is definitely going to take your music ministry to the next level. Keep practicing and growing. :) ;)
The Hymns are not only important to learn but they all have messages and inspirational context that have stood the test of time. The hymns can be played with a contemporary flair. There is a book available on Amazon.com entitled "Modern Chord Changes to Favorite Hymns": Advanced Chord Voicings for the Piano and Organ. Check it out!!!Thanks for the infor I'm definitely going to check out that website.
Pianist84. That was so beautifully put. Keep doing what you're doing, I know God is already molding your unique style for His Glory. :) ;)
How long have you been playing the organ? .Oh... I've been playing organ and piano for a long time. I totally understand your situation with the pipe organ. Pipe organ is one of my favorite instruments. I have tons of recordings by Bach on pipe organ. I use to play the pipe years ago. Now that I am a member of a Pentecostal church, you know the Hammond is up in there. ;D I guess you willl have to stick to the piano for now. If you have some friends that play Hammond, maybe they will let you experiment at their church or home. I'm sure you will get into the Hammond soon. :) ;)
I use to play the pipe years ago.
Here is a youtube post of the hymn "I am thine O, Lord" in Ab. I played it traditional with a classical feel then with a pentecostal or COGIC feel. This will give you an idea of how to approach hymnal music.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4WnfPiJwdc[/url]
Here is a youtube post of the hymn "I am thine O, Lord" in Ab. I played it traditional with a classical feel then with a pentecostal or COGIC feel. This will give you an idea of how to approach hymnal music.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4WnfPiJwdc[/url]
Praise The Lord to All;Yesss... you can do it. You will be blessed, not just because you are learning something different, but the lyrics in hymns are so deep and inspiring. Just ask the Lord to help you and instruct you. He'll do it, I'm a witness. ;) :D
For I just got through reading the entire 5 pages of this forum, and basically, I JUST NEED TO QUIT BEING LAZY AND FORCE MYSELF INTO THE HYMN BOOK.
I'll keep on working on the theory of reading music and I thank you all for posting your thoughts and other helpful info. God Bless!!!
ShawnG
Yesss... you can do it. You will be blessed, not just because you are learning something different, but the lyrics in hymns are so deep and inspiring. Just ask the Lord to help you and instruct you. He'll do it, I'm a witness. ;) :DThanks and I know God is already blessing you my dear Sister. ;D....I be carrying around this hymn book with me while I'm on duty and studying it. It's a challenge, but until I get back into the states, it all I got. But it's all good. I'm still working on getting the choir on the Youtube and myspace so please bear with my technical difficulties that I have to deal with hear. I know some others have been inquiring about the choir here in Cuba. We're not professional but we do our best to be perfect for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As soon as I get a chance I will post some videos. God Bless.
I know some others have been inquiring about the choir here in Cuba. We're not professional but we do our best to be perfect for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As soon as I get a chance I will post some videos. God Bless.That is so wonderful that you are spreading the Word by way of Music Ministry, that's outside of the "comfort zone", meaning the U.S. You really need to get that choir on video. I'm apart of the GMWA(Gospel Music Workshop of America). The Convention is being held in Orlando, FL this year. Because of this organization, I have seen choirs and musicians from Japan, Germany, etc minister and just turn it out like they were "us" ;D. It would be awesome to see a choir from Cuba giving God glory. Take care
ShawnG
I can read a hymn and enhance it with my ear. That way I don't stray to far away from how it is written.
I respect your views sjon, but hymns are still so so much a apart of the worship experience. Hymns are apart of the "higher calling". Hymns will always be apart of the "mark".
I don't know... I guess I've just been in too many services and concerts, and seen people set free, delivered and ministered to through the singing of a hymn, especially when it's played and sung with the anointing. I"m talkin now, 2007, hymns are very much alive in our area. :)
hymns I think are a staple and if your church doesent sing them
unless it is because your pastor doesent want to hear them
then it is up to the musician to introduce some
there are some beautiful hymns that can stand with any praise and worship song
so being ain a church that doesent sing hymns is not really a reason for not learning them
because as the musician you there to educate and lead the worship service.
just like in my church which is an older traditional congregation
i have to teach them to embrace praise and worship songs
it is hard but they do it
because they know i am the leader